Event wrap up: Brisbane North Aged Care Forum

This October, the Brisbane North Aged Care Forum, sponsored by healthy@home consortium, was attended by 185 aged care workers and health professionals. The forum offered an opportunity to hear the latest updates from the aged care sector, network with colleagues and build connections with a broad range of providers across the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region.

Presenter highlights included Tara Pamula, Executive Director Engagement, Education and Communication of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, who provided an engaging update on Strengthening the Aged Care Quality Standards as part of the proposed new regulatory model for aged care, which will better support continuous improvement in the sector. The new model will place older people in Australia at the front and centre of regulation, increasing protections for older people and empowering them to exercise their rights.

A panel discussion on enhancing social connectedness through intergenerational programs was a stand-out session. Panel members included Dr Claudia Meyer, Senior Research Fellow | Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Angela Jacobsen, Program Coordinator Intergenerational Play | Comlink Australia, Sarra Harrison, Project Lead – Aged Care Early Intervention and Loneliness | Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, Anneke Fitzgerald, Emeritus Professor and Founder | Australian Institute of Intergenerational Practice and Julia Symes, Project Lead | Brisbane North PHN. The panellists discussed the rise in social isolation and loneliness, and the ways in which interaction and connection between generations promotes physical activity, cognitive stimulation and meaningful engagement. It was uplifting to hear firsthand how the newly commissioned programs in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region are positively impacting the lives of both younger and older generations.

Dr Elizabeth Marsden, Emergency Physician and Julie Oliver, Nursing Director at Metro North Health introduced the Older Persons Emergency Network; a co-response, Emergency Department (ED) alternative for residents living in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) and older people living in the community. The minor acute injury and illnesses service formally known as RADAR Rapid Response will be aiming to extend service hours, accept new referral sources and develop current referral pathways and community service providers for follow up care.

Plans for hosting Brisbane North Aged Care Forums in 2024 are underway and will be announced early next year.

Read more about the healthy@home consortium.